Thiruvananthapuram: With just eight days remaining before his retirement, Kerala State Police Chief (DGP) Shaik Darvesh Saheb, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, has submitted his report to the state government regarding the conduct of former Law and Order ADGP M R Ajith Kumar, an IPS officer of 1995 batch, during the 2024 Thrissur Pooram fiasco.
Sources familiar with the report say it contains critical remarks and points to lapses in official duty.
Minister’s Testimony and Officer’s Response Under Scrutiny
The inquiry was prompted by widespread criticism and political fallout following the disruption of the iconic Thrissur Pooram festival earlier this year, which occurred just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources, the report cites a key lapse involving Revenue Minister K Rajan, who attempted to reach Ajith Kumar during the unfolding crisis. However, Ajith Kumar reportedly did not answer the calls. The officer later stated that after overseeing the initial security preparations, he had returned to his room and fallen asleep, missing the urgent calls.
The report apparently notes that falling asleep during such a critical moment constituted a serious dereliction of duty and indicated that the officer did not fully discharge his responsibilities.
Allegations of Political Motives
Sources further revealed that the report may include adverse references to Ajith Kumar’s alleged meetings with RSS office-bearers, although the full scope and interpretation of these findings remain unclear.
The 2024 Thrissur Pooram episode sparked a major political controversy, with accusations that the festival was deliberately disrupted to influence voter sentiment. After NDA candidate Suresh Gopi secured a surprising win in the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat, the allegation gained momentum and was publicly endorsed by LDF candidate V S Sunil Kumar and UDF leader K Muraleedharan.
Background: Thrissur Pooram Disruption and Political Fallout
Thrissur Pooram, one of Kerala’s grandest temple festivals, faced major disruptions allegedly due to police high-handedness. The incident triggered a wave of public outrage and was seen by many as an orchestrated move that may have had electoral implications. The resulting political storm prompted the government to order a high-level inquiry by the State Police Chief himself.
What’s Next?
While the report has been submitted, it is not yet clear what action the government will take based on its findings. Given the political sensitivities, especially in the wake of the recent elections, all eyes are now on the Chief Minister’s Office and the Home Department.
The upcoming retirement of Shaik Darvesh Saheb adds urgency to the matter, with stakeholders awaiting whether disciplinary proceedings or political fallout will follow.
